Cosmetology Program to Stay at USU Eastern

The cosmetology program at Utah State University Eastern will remain intact.

A proposal to eliminate the program to help the college fund new positions for other popular programs brought spirited discussion across the campus and the community.

It has been a difficult process, but one that USU Eastern Chancellor Joe Peterson said has been necessary in order to position the college for future growth and stability.

“These are always tough decisions when so many lives are impacted,” Peterson said. “I have anguished over this. It is why I make every effort to seek input from members of our college and surrounding communities. It has been very helpful and I appreciate the frank discussions it has spawned.”

He said that while support to keep the program has been both strong and widespread, it still, at the end of the day, leaves them with the problem of trying to find ways to hire new faculty for other high enrollment programs such as welding and criminal justice.

While funding for new faculty in criminal justice remains uncertain, Peterson’s behind-the-scene talks with central administration drew strong support from Logan for a new welding position.

“Huge credit goes to our central campus for its care and support of the Price campus and southeast Utah economy,” Peterson said. “The university understood our dilemma with cosmetology and welding and Logan provided resources to help us keep cosmetology while moving forward with welding.”

He said the new developments will help keep USU Eastern on a solid growth track while remaining committed to increasing bachelor degree offerings to provide higher-paying jobs, attract new industry and career opportunities for graduates closer to home.

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